Whimsy is having a moment. In New York, thirty-somethings join kickball leagues and folks wait hours in line for novelty baked goods. Brooklyn pre-K for adults is the latest thing in self-indulgence, writes AnneKadet.

Metro Money’s AnneKadet rolls up her sleeves to get to the bottom of the clothes basket: Everyone’s trying to figure out a more efficient way to do wash and dry, but new technology to New York City’s unruly laundry industry is about as easy as removing a mustard stain.

Metro Money: New York’s small-scale food makers are getting the tech-startup treatment—with a do-gooder twist. At a recent foodie pitch-a-thon, presentations were judged not just on financials, but on social impact as well.